Transmigration: From Farmer To Empress
Chapter 722: Meeting on a Narrow Path (1)_1

Chapter 722: Chapter 722: Meeting on a Narrow Path (1)_1

The weather in May was slightly warm, but not excessively hot. The sun warmth was comfortable, but not scorching. On such lovely days, many young ladies from high-ranking families in their secluded chambers began to venture out. Some would swing, play the lute, or chase butterflies in their home gardens. Others would accompany a few close boudoir friends to the suburbs to appreciate nature, or spend some days at their family estates. There were many entertainment activities to choose from.

However, the young ladies of the Duke An Mansion had not partaken in any of these activities for several days. They had all chosen to remain quietly at home. In these days, the mansion seemed as quiet as a stagnant pool, without any signs of turbulence, but everyone could feel that this was the calm before the storm.

As a result, nobody in the mansion dared to violate any rules. Even the notoriously brazen Du Wanyue and Du Wanru had become much more reserved. The young masters in each courtyard also remained quietly in their own yards, fearing that the old man’s pent-up resentment would vent on them inadvertently!

These days, Duke An, Du Ruohai, had been staying with Aunt Liao in Fangfei Pavilion, not returning to Madam Wang’s quarters even once. Aunt Liao had initially been Old Madam Wang’s dowry maid, but later Madam Wang had gifted her to Duke An and promoted her to the status of a concubine.

Aunt Liao had given birth to a son and a daughter for Duke An. The son, Du Yongqi, was twenty-six years old, handsome and imposing, but unfortunately, he had broken his leg in a horse riding accident when he was young. He was disabled and could not serve in the court. The Duke’s mansion was of high rank and did not allow its sons to engage in business, so Du Yongqi had no option but to stay at home, spending his days in the company of wine. Aunt Liao also had a daughter, Miss Du Yue, who was eighteen years old and was blessed with beautiful.appearance. She had reached the age suitable for marriage and there had been discussions about marital affairs before, but they had been called off for some reasons.

Aunt Liao and her two children were not normally given much attention by Duke An. He had not stayed with them for seven to eight years. However, ever since Lady Mei from Changchun Garden died, the Duke had been staying here every day, not returning to Madam Wang’s place even once.

If it had been in the past, and a concubine had dared to monopolize the old master for a lengthy period, Madam Wang would definitely have severely punished that concubine—she would have already taken action to deal with her. However, this time, not only did she not lay a hand on Aunt Liao, she also rewarded Lady Liao with many gifts.

This abnormal behavior was not because Madam Wang had changed her nature, but rather because of the words that Du Ruohai had said to her that night, which had left her terrified.

She was already over fifty years old, and her possessive and jealous mindset had gradually faded. What mattered most to her now was her position as the Noble Lady of Second Rank. But Du Ruohai had actually suggested that she should retire and let a more virtuous woman take her place. Although he had not implemented this, if he were to find out about what she had done in the past, the idea of ’retirement and letting the virtuous rule’ would inevitably become reality.

Aunt Liao had been her confidante in the past and knew much about her previous deeds. If the old master were to hear some whisperings from Aunt Liao and find out about what she had done to Lady Mei, she was afraid she would indeed be dismissed. Therefore, for the sake of safety, to make Aunt Liao keep her mouth shut, she ignored any feelings of jealousy and disregard for the dignity of being a Madam. As long as the old master didn’t discover those past deeds, even if it meant she had to curry favor with Lady Liao in a humble and docile manner, she was willing to do so!

The mansion’s eerie atmosphere severely affected the young masters and young ladies. At the start, everyone knew to stay out of trouble, and no one dared to make a move. However, several days had passed since Lady Mei’s death, and the mansion still remained as silent as a stagnant pool, without a shred of life. The young masters grew restless and secretly sneaked out of the mansion, subsequently indulging in their favorite Chu Pavilion and Green Buildings (brothels), or casinos and taverns. The young ladies, though not as reckless as the young masters, had their own ways of relaxing. For instance, Du Wanqiu, the eldest daughter, quietly wrote a letter to Li Ruizhu from the mansion of the Great General, and received an invitation from Miss Rui Zhu to appreciate the flowers!